impudent
gb/ɪmpjˈudənt/ us/ɪmpjˈudənt/
C1
English
~ 8800
Senses
0 senses
adjective
formal
C1
property
1
rude and not showing respect
Behaving in a very rude and bold way, without showing respect for other people or for normal rules.
Usage pattern:
[someone] is impudent; an impudent [remark / question / child]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse "impudent" with "imprudent." "Impudent" means rude and not respectful, while "imprudent" means not wise or not careful about possible problems. Learners may also think "impudent" is casual like "cheeky," but it is more formal and usually more strongly negative.
Synonyms
insolent (Very close in meaning, but can sound even more openly hostile or contemptuous than "impudent.")
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impertinent (Stresses disrespect by saying or asking something that is not appropriate to the situation.)
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cheeky (More informal and often lighter or humorous; "impudent" is more formal and usually more strongly disapproving.)
Antonyms
respectful (Shows proper regard and politeness, which is the opposite of the rude boldness in "impudent.")
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deferential (Emphasizes polite submission and respect toward others, especially authority, unlike the defiant tone of "impudent.")
Collocations
an impudent child
|an impudent remark
|an impudent question
|an impudent response
|impudent behavior
|shockingly impudent
Themes
social_behavior
|communication
|character
|relationships
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- The student’s impudent reply shocked the teacher and the rest of the class.
- He was fired for his impudent attitude toward his supervisors during the meeting.
- She dismissed the reporter’s impudent questions and ended the interview.
- Children in this school are taught not to be impudent to their elders.
- The judge warned the lawyer that any further impudent remarks would not be tolerated.
Learner examples
- The boy was punished for his impudent words to his father.
- Her impudent question made everyone in the room uncomfortable.
- He gave an impudent answer to his boss and later felt sorry.
- The teacher will not accept impudent behavior in class.
- Please do not be impudent when you speak to your grandparents.
adjective
formal
C1
property
2
cheekily or playfully bold
Rude in a small, playful way that may surprise people but is not meant to be truly hurtful or very serious.
Usage pattern:
an impudent [smile / grin / question / joke]
Common mistake:
Learners may think this lighter, playful use is the main meaning and use "impudent" where native speakers would prefer informal words like "cheeky" or "sassy." In everyday speech, "impudent" often sounds too formal or strong for friendly teasing.
Synonyms
cheeky (Very close in this lighter sense, but "cheeky" is informal; "impudent" sounds more formal or literary.)
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saucy (Suggests playful rudeness; can sound old-fashioned or humorous compared to the more neutral tone of "impudent.")
Antonyms
meek (Describes someone who is quiet and does not challenge others, the opposite of the boldness in this sense of "impudent.")
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demure (Suggests modest, shy, or very proper behavior, which contrasts with the teasing boldness of an "impudent" look or remark.)
Collocations
an impudent grin
|an impudent smile
|an impudent little question
|a slightly impudent tone
|charmingly impudent
Themes
social_behavior
|communication
|emotions
|relationships
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- She gave him an impudent grin, as if daring him to say no.
- The article opened with an impudent question that poked fun at the mayor.
- He shot the camera an impudent smile before walking away.
- Her impudent little joke cut through the tension in the room.
- The child’s impudent curiosity made the guests laugh rather than feel offended.
Learner examples
- The boy gave his mother an impudent smile when she told him to go to bed.
- She asked an impudent question that made her friends laugh.
- He looked at the teacher with an impudent grin but then sat down.
- The comedian’s impudent jokes were rude but also funny.
- Her impudent tone sounded rude, but she was only playing.
Grammar
Dictionary form
impudent
IPA
GB/ɪmpjˈudənt/
US/ɪmpjˈudənt/
Syllables & stress
im - pudent (2 syllables)
Stress on 2nd syllable (pudent)
Word forms
Adjective
- Base: impudent
Word family
Core family
impudence
noun C1
impudently
adverb
Expressions
No expressions linked to this entry yet.